Kick Back and Give Back at Studio 89 Mississauga

More than just a cafe, Studio 89 Mississauga operates as a non profit organization dedicated to humans, animals and the planet. A social enterprise of sorts, this youth led organization called YTGA has been empowering and mobilizing young people for social justice through campaigns, workshops and the arts since 2006. Through the cafe business they are able to run much more programming for many more young people; so the money you spend at Sudio 89 goes towards bettering the community.

Studio 89 strives to have the most ethical menu as possible. They offer an array of vegan and vegetarian dishes but they also offer a few chicken options which they source from Paramount Butcher Shop in Mississauga. Outside of vegan and vegetarian options, they also have a range of gluten free, dairy free and egg free choices as well.

Feel free to explore the space thoroughly — the upstairs loft makes up their Artademic Resource Centre — offering a “shoe-free” lounge and free workshops. You can even book the space for meetings.

Their cafe style meals are quick and wholesome. Don’t come expecting a three course dinner with decadent dessert — it’s not that kind of place. Do come in with some friends and expect delicious coffees, sandwiches, crepes and soups. The interior is really welcoming. Lots of chalk board tables, cozy sofas and eclectic pieces come together to make the space take a life of its’ own.

The staff is super friendly and seem passionate about every aspect of their participation with the cafe. They even ask you to ask questions — they have fun talking to you about Studio 89. Pricing is marked as minimum donations and you just can’t help but leave a generous tip.

One word to sum up the food here is wholesome. It’s not overly spiced but it is well flavoured. We ordered Savoury Chicken Buckwheat Crepes ($7.80), Grilled Chicken Panini ($8.00) and Green Thai Curry Soup (small $5.50).

To drink, we each had fair-trade, organic specialty coffees: Cafe au Lait ($4.20), Nutella Latte ($5.90) and Chai Latte ($4.70) – SO GOOD. If you come for these alone, the trip is well worth it.

Make sure you check them out online to see what cool events and workshops they have going on!